The temple echoed with silence long after Flynn had left its core.
The others welcomed him back with quiet questions, but he offered no answers only a nod that he was fine. Even Elior, who always watched with a knowing gaze, said nothing. The weight in Flynn's eyes said more than words could.
The return journey to Winterbell was slower. No enemies chased them this time, but something deeper haunted their steps.
Flynn walked ahead of the others. Alone, except for the echo of Seren's warning.
"Avenhal stirs."
He'd heard that name once in Caelan's life a forbidden kingdom of ancient magic, banished by gods and history alike. If it was rising again, then the world would remember why it was forgotten.
And Khalid...
Flynn's hand curled into a fist at his side. That betrayal five years ago he once thought it was personal. Now he feared it was far bigger.
That night, under the cold moonlight near the mountain pass, Khalid approached him.
"Flynn."
Flynn didn't turn. "What is it?"
Khalid stood a few paces behind him, his silhouette strong against the pale snow. "You haven't spoken since the temple."
Flynn's voice was cold. "Neither have you."
A pause.
Then Khalid said, "I've seen that look in someone else before."
Flynn turned, slowly. "Who?"
Khalid's eyes narrowed slightly, his gold gaze unreadable. "Caelan of Elaris. Before the war ended."
The name lingered in the air between them.
Flynn's throat went tight, but he forced a smile. "Then I must remind you of a dead man."
Khalid stepped closer. "You don't just remind me of him."
Flynn's heart slammed in his chest. For a moment, he thought
But Khalid continued, "You walk like him. Think like him. But you're not him."
"Am I not?" Flynn asked, too quiet.
"No," Khalid said, his voice low and steady. "He's gone."
And you killed him. Flynn didn't say it.
He looked away, but Khalid reached out and gently caught his wrist.
Flynn froze.
"…Why are you loyal to Winterbell?" he asked, not looking at Khalid. "You betrayed your old kingdom. Why serve this one?"
Khalid's fingers lingered, then slowly released him. "Because I lost everything that night. And I thought if I gave everything to Winterbell, maybe… I could forget."
Flynn turned his head. "Forget what?"
Khalid looked at him.
"The look in his eyes when I killed him."
The air between them fell quiet again, but now it burned.
Flynn said nothing.
He didn't know if he wanted to kiss him or kill him.